How Government Keeps Gas Prices High

Introduction

Gas prices today are the highest they’ve ever been. Students across the country are feeling the pinch in their wallets. What can government do to reverse this and why have they been the major obstacle in American energy freedom? Becky Norton Dunlop, Vice President of External Relations at The Heritage Foundation, provides these answers.

Summary

Average prices of gasoline in 2008 was $1.68

Modern families spend approximately 21% of income on energy costs; this is more than they spend on groceries

Conservatives believe government increases gasoline costs due to excess federal, state and local taxes, overregulation and wasted invested in failed alternative energy businesses, like Solyndra

In order to lower prices, Becky Norton Dunlop recommends approving the Keystone Pipeline, repeal the renewable fuel standard, and lifting the ban on crude oil imports

Quiz

Course Sections

About Becky Norton Dunlop

Becky Norton Dunlop’s duties and travel itinerary as The Heritage Foundation’s vice president for external relations have made her the think tank's “chief ambassador” outside the Beltway.
Dunlop’s speeches and other appearances keep her on the road about 60 days a year, addressing a variety of audiences on how conservative principles meet the challenges of today’s issues. Young people – from kindergarteners to high schoolers to law students – provide some of her favorite interactions amid the rounds of political activists, civic and business groups and government organizations.